A plain-language guide
What is open source software?
Open source means more than being able to see the code. A clear licence defines how people may use, study, modify and share the software.
The basic idea
Open code, clearly stated rights
The source code of open source software can be inspected under its licence and can usually be modified and redistributed.
The exact rights and responsibilities depend on the licence. Some require modified versions to remain under the same licence, while others permit broader forms of reuse. Open source is therefore not the absence of rules; it means that the rules are published and can be examined.
FOSS stands for Free and Open Source Software. Here, “free” is primarily about the freedom to use and study software, not merely a price of zero.
Common misconceptions
What open source does not necessarily mean
- 01
It is not always free of charge
Open source software may be sold, and projects may charge for services, support or hosted editions.
- 02
It is not without copyright
Authors retain copyright and grant particular rights through the software licence.
- 03
It is not automatically secure
Open code can support inspection, but project quality, maintenance and correct configuration still matter.
- 04
It does not have to be complicated
Many open source programs provide familiar graphical interfaces and installers for everyday Windows users.
Choosing software
A quick check before installing
Check the official website, most recent release, Windows support, licence and download source.
For software handling important files, passwords or backups, read the documentation and start with test data. OpenSource-DVD helps you discover candidates, but your final decision should reflect your own needs and the latest information from the project.